Alyn Gorge facts for kids
The Alyn Gorge is a cool, deep valley carved by the River Alyn in Wales. You can find it between the villages of Loggerheads and Rhydymwyn. Imagine a river cutting through rock over a very long time – that's how a gorge is made!
On one side of the gorge, the land gently rises towards Moel Famau. But on the other side, you'll see steep cliffs. Look closely and you might spot old tracks from quarries where people used to dig for stone.
Exploring the Alyn Gorge
There's a great path that runs along the edge of the gorge. It's kept in good shape, with strong metal bridges and barriers in places. These spots are very popular with people who love climbing!
The gorge changes a bit when you get to Cilcain. Here, a small bridge crosses the river. Just a little further north from this bridge, something amazing happens: the river water disappears! It sinks right into the ground.
Hidden Caves of the Gorge
When the river water disappears, it flows into a secret world of underground caves. Two of the most famous are Ogof Hen Ffynhonnau and Ogof Hesp Alyn. These caves were discovered in the 1970s. How? Well, earlier in the 1900s, mining in the area changed the water levels underground, making it possible to find these hidden passages.
High up on the east side of the gorge, close to these two big caves, there's another smaller cave called Ogof Nadolig.
A Special Place for Nature
Because the Alyn Gorge and its caves are so unique and important for nature, they have been given a special title. They are known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is protected to make sure its special plants, animals, and geological features stay safe and healthy for everyone to enjoy.
